How to apply for an ESTA?

ESTA! But what is it?

ESTA, or Electronic Travel Authorization System, is an essential document for travelers from countries benefiting from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) wishing to enter the United States for a stay of 90 days or less for tourism, business, or in transit. here is a detailed guide on the procedure to follow to request and finally obtain the ESTA, without getting scammed. Il will allow you to travel to French Polynesia via the USA. I will not enter here into the classic controversy which is to ask whether it is fair to pay the same price if you spend 90 days in the USA or if you stay there only 2 hours in transit. I will simply list for you the 7 steps to follow which will allow you to embark with certainty towards the fenua.

Step 1: Check your eligibility to the USA

Before you begin your application, make sure you are a citizen of a member country of the VWP and you do not have a current visa. Your passport must be electronic ou biometric et valid. Contrary to what you may hear elsewhere, your passport does not need to be valid for six months beyond your planned departure date from the United States.. It just needs to be still valid the day you leave the USA upon your return to mainland France. You will find all the details on this rule here.

Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents

To complete the application, you will need your valid passport, An E-mail adress, An recent passport photo and a credit card or Paypal account to pay the application fee. Regarding the photo, if your passport is old, it is not enough to scan the photo of the latter. It is absolutely necessary provide a recent photo. The fees amount to 21,00 USD. In addition this price will increase to 40 dollars from the September 30, 2025. As a result, sIf you are planning a trip soon, make your request before this date to benefit from the current rate. But beware ! Be sure to go to the official website of the Department of Homeland Security. Otherwise, you risk paying more than the price of the electronic document. And above all, you will not you won't be sure to be in possession of a document authenticated and valid. Beware of scams on malicious sites!

Step 3: Complete the online form

Go to official ESTA website. And start by entering your personal information, including the your passport details and your E-mail adressYou will also need to provide information about your trip.

Step 4: Complete the questionnaire

The form includes a series of security issues which you must answer honestly. These questions cover topics such as your previous trips, your health and possible criminal record.

Step 5: Review and Payment

Once you have filled in all the information, revise your request to assure you that there is no of errors. After verification, proceed to payment application fee. Once payment is made, your application will be treated.

Step 6: Wait for approval

After submitting your application, you will usually receive a response within 72 hours. However, it is recommended that you make your request well before the 72 hours preceding your departure. If your application is approved, your ESTA authorization will be valid for a period of two years or until the expiration of your passport.

Step 7: Print your ESTA authorization

Although ESTA is electronically linked to your passport, it is advisable toprint a copy authorization. In fact, it could be requested by your airline the customs officers and border protection may also ask you for this document at your arrival in the United States.

Additional tips:

1. Check the accuracy of all information entered before finalizing your request to avoid any delay or refusal.
2. Si vous êtes une femme, when applying for an ESTA, it is essential that the name indicated corresponds exactly to the one on the passport. If the passport only mentions the maiden name, this is the name that must be used for the ESTA. If the passport includes both maiden name and married name, it is possible to use either one, but you must ensure that the same name appears on the passport, the plane ticket and the ESTA. When in doubt, it is recommended to follow the passport instructions and check that all travel documents are consistentThis will avoid any problems when boarding or arriving in the United States.
3. Even though the ESTA is generally obtained in less than 72 hours and sometimes even in just a few hours, I strongly recommend applying at least 1 month before your departure. This will give you time to turn around and take other steps in the event of a refusal, whether it is related to an error on your part when filling out the form or because of the Department of Homeland Security.
4. If your ESTA is refused, you may need to request a non-immigrant visa à the embassy or the family american consulate the closest.
5. However, keep in mind that theESTA does not guarantee admission to the United States; customs and border protection officers have the final decision-making power upon your arrival.
6. If you are asked to pay more than USD 21,00, is that you are in the process of to be swindled. In that case, exit the malicious site you are on and appointment here.
7. Download to your mobile phone theofficial ESTA Mobile app also has several advantages. Not only can you apply for your ESTA from your mobile, but subsequently, you will always have your ESTA on hand. More do the process with your cell phone makes it easier to provide the photo since a selfie is enough. At the bottom of this article, you will find the connections for download this app for Android and to iPhone.

Ultimately

By following these steps and tips, you can navigate the process obtaining ESTA with confidence and prepare your trip to French Polynesia via the USA with complete peace of mind. All you have to do then is put on your best makeup pretty smile to join the Heaven on EarthHave a good flight.